New Hampshire Cosmetology Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The main function of toner in skincare is to balance skin pH and remove residuals. After cleansing, the skin may still have traces of makeup, dirt, or impurities. Toner helps to remove these remaining residues, ensuring the skin is thoroughly clean. Additionally, it plays a key role in restoring the skin's natural pH balance, which can be disrupted by the cleansing process, especially if using alkaline cleansers. This is important as maintaining an optimal pH level supports overall skin health and prepares the skin for the next steps in a skincare routine, such as the application of serums or moisturizers.

While some toners may also offer additional benefits—like hydration or acne prevention—those are not their primary functions. Moisturizing the skin is typically the role of a moisturizer rather than toner. Similarly, while toners may help to clarify the skin, they are not specifically formulated as the primary treatment for preventing acne. Sun protection is provided by specific sunscreen products, not toners. Therefore, the defining characteristic that emphasizes the role of toner in a skincare routine is its capacity to balance the skin's pH and effectively cleanse away any lingering impurities.